A/N: You guys are incredibly fast! I didn't expect any feedback until today! So to show my thanks, here's another chapter a little sooner than I planned.
Two
"Her Royal Highness, Queen Mary!"
The guests instantly went quiet as the hostess of the dinner party stood up and cleared her throat.
"My lords and ladies," she greeted kindly. "On behalf of my family, I thank you all for participating at Ventoris' Annual Jousting Tournament. Each of you competed bravely, and now enjoy the feast, for you have deserved it."
There was a polite applause from the audience as everyone carried on with their chatter and gossip.
Castiel picked at the salad on his plate, listening to the two gentlemen beside him discuss the weather, of all things. The prince was exhausted, both physically and mentally. He never expected his final joust to be that demanding, but he couldn't quite say he was unpleasantly surprised. He focused his gaze across the table to where Prince Dean, Heir Apparent of Ventoris, sat beside his younger brother Sam. They were chuckling and muttering to each other, earning an exasperated, but fond look from their mother.
Castiel observed Dean in particular, taken by his strange green eyes and strong jaw. He was definitely the most worthy opponent he had faced these past three days.
"What are you thinking about there, Cassie?" a voice interrupted. "Or should I say, who?"
Castiel whipped around to be greeted by the smiling face of Balthazar, his squire and oldest friend.
Balthazar laughed at the prince's growing flush. "Don't worry, darling. Your secret's safe with me," he told him.
"Remind me, why do I keep you around?" Castiel questioned, a wry smile playing on his lips.
"Oh, we both know I'm only your squire til I become a full-fledged knight," Balthazar drawled smugly. "Then I'm going to overthrow Michael and take my rightful place as supreme ruler of the world."
Castiel deadpanned, "Please, don't make me your servant when you take over the kingdom."
"No promises there," the other returned, sipping his wine. He licked his lips happily, staring in front of him. "Can't wait til we get back home. This country has a terrible selection in women."
"You really are terrible, you know that?" Castiel told him.
Balthazar hummed in agreement. "What about you, hm? Looking forward to going back, sleeping in your own bed?"
Castiel nodded mutely, his thoughts instantly flying to his ill father. He wondered if he had gotten any better since they had left. His condition wasn't any good to begin with when they departed.
Balthazar, evidently reading into Castiel's silence, said softly, "Shit, I'm sorry, Cas. I wasn't thinking."
"It's fine," the prince assured him. He looked back to his plate and heaved a sigh. Now he definitely wasn't hungry.
Castiel scanned the room for his three brothers. Gabriel and Lucifer, similarly to Sam and Dean, whispered between each other, but Castiel doubted they were sharing a joke, rather plotting their next piece of mischief. He placed Michael easily. His eldest brother sat beside John, submerged in a serious discussion, judging by the look on his face. Glad to find that none of his brothers seemed to be paying much attention to him, Castiel turned to Balthazar.
"I need some fresh air," he told him.
"Should I come with you, mate?" Balthazar asked seriously.
"No, I'll be back shortly," Castiel promised, and he stood up without making too much sound. He slinked out into the hall and followed it until he came across an open balcony. It was perfect, there was no one around to bother him.
He stepped out into the frigid evening, wrapping his cloak tighter around his frame. If the weather continued like this, he would soon have to replace it with one made of fur. Castiel fiddled with the coat of arms sewn into the light blue fabric, right over his heart. The crest was golden, decorated with a white dove in flight. It reminded Castiel of the code he was taught to live by; to spread peace rather than hate.
A wave of exasperation suddenly washed over him when he heard footsteps approach him.
"Please, Balthazar, not now. I wanted to be alone," the prince called back.
"It's not Balthazar, actually. Although at least I can now sleep calmly, knowing he's doing his job properly." His brother's laugh seemed to warm the frosty night.
Casitel smiled tiredly at his eldest sibling. "Hello, Michael," he greeted quietly.
"You all right, Cas?" Michael wanted to know, placing one hand on the young man's shoulder.
"I'm just tired. Nothing a long night of sleep can't fix," Castiel insisted.
Michael chuckled, ruffling Cas' already wild hair. "I came looking for you with a purpose, actually."
Castiel tilted his head. "Yes?"
The other nodded towards the small, stone bench and took a seat. "I've been thinking about this for a while now. Almost two weeks, I believe," he explained.
Castiel nodded, prompting him to continue.
"I want to make an alliance with Ventoris."
The younger man raised his eyebrows, but nodded again. "Oh. That's good, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," Michael replied. "It's a wise decision. Ventoris has a good, strong army, and they've got some of the best hunters in the world."
"Does Father know about this?" Castiel asked.
"Father's approval is the reason we're here," Michael countered. "But now I have to ask you for a giant favour, I'm afraid."
Castiel said, "You know I'd do anything for you, Michael."
Michael hummed in return. "Yes. You have too much heart, Cas."
"What do you need me to do?" Castiel finally asked.
"I need an ambassador to stay here. Just for a little while, until he can assess whether or not Ventoris will make a good ally. I would do it myself, but as Heir Apparent, they need me home in case-"
He didn't go on, but Castiel understood him perfectly.
He pretended not to hear him. "And you want me to do that?"
"God knows I can't ask Lucifer or Gabriel. We might as well kiss the alliance good bye then and there."
Castiel frowned as Michael grinned down at him. "You doubt them too much."
"And with reason," the latter returned and he patted his brother's shoulder. "What do you say? Will you be willing to do it?"
Castiel sighed. It was a big responsibility. Not only would he have to study the kingdom profusely, he would also have to remain on his best behaviour, not giving King John any reason to doubt an alliance with Aether.
"I- Yes," he stammered. "I'll do it, Michael."
"Thank you, Cas. I know it's a lot to ask." Michael's smile faltered, and Castiel heard the unspoken words loud and clear.
"Especially with everything that's going on."
Although Sam was four years younger, Dean often felt his brother was much more suited to be the Heir Apparent. Sam always payed attention in class, while Dean fell asleep on a daily basis (this didn't impress Robert, their teacher, in the slightest). Sam kept up appearances no matter what, but Dean let people know exactly what he thought of them, regardless of status or wealth. It was like Sam was the epitome of Prince Charming. Honestly, Dean waited for the day his father grabbed his shoulders and said, "Boy, get your shit straight."
And the very evening after the feast, he thought that day had finally come.
Both princes were requested to come to the throne room immediately after all the guests had gone. The two exchanged a small glance and a raised eye brow, but followed the order through anyway. They passed the guards in front of the great oak door and watched their parents expectantly.
Finally, John sat up and cleared his throat. "Boys, there comes a time in life when a man has to do what he has to do."
Yeah, there it goes. The title of Heir Apparent was finally switching.
"You'll understand one day, when you're kings," he assured them, unaware that only one son was actually paying attention. "Today, your mother and I have made an important decision."
Dean perked his ears, waiting for the magic words.
"We've decided to ally with the kingdom of Aether."
"Wait, what?" Dean's brow came together.
Mary and John both turned to look at their eldest.
"Ventoris will ally with Aether," John repeated. "Are you feeling all right, son?"
"M'fine," Dean replied. "Just didn't expect to hear that."
"It's a big decision, I know," John continued. "Now Sam, I need you to do something for me."
Dean turned his attention to his little brother.
"You have to go to Aether as an ambassador," their father said. "Have a look around. Make sure we're making the right decision. They'll have their own ambassador here, after all."
"OK, yeah." Sam nodded. "I can do that. When do I leave?"
"Tomorrow morning. You'll be travelling with Michael and his men," Mary answered.
The four of them stood in silence for a moment until John announced. "Well, that's that. You boys go on now. Big day tomorrow."
Sam and Dean turned and headed for the door, but stopped halfway when Sam asked, "Hey, who's the ambassador Aether's sending?"
Dean almost choked on the yawn he was stifling when John replied, "Prince Castiel."